Social Isolation and Well-Being

Abstract

We examined 10 common indicators of social isolation and assessed which, if any, are related to subjective well-being among elderly individuals. The quantitative measures (no daily contact and minimal weekly contact), no children, having no children plus being unmarried, and having no children plus living alone, were unrelated to either global happiness or life satisfaction. The combined indicators of living alone and being unmarried as well as single indicators of having no companions or having no confidants were related at the bivariate level to both measures of well-being. When controlling for demographic, economic, and health factors, having no confidants and no companions were significantly and independently related to subjective well-being. These findings suggest that practitioners who seek information on living arrangements or marital status as proxy measures of lower psychological well-being are utilizing the wrong predictors.

Social isolation and loneliness among older people: issues and future challenges in community and residential settings

“…Although estimating prevalence also poses challenges, available evidence indicates that, as for loneliness, the majority of older people are not "severely" socially isolated. 18,27,28,30,34 Victor et al' s 34 review of community studies in the UK revealed prevalence rates of about 10% (range 2%-20%). Similar rates have been identified in Australia.…”

“…Some of these factors are socio-demographic and relate in particular to aspects of people' s social networks, for example widowhood, never being married, and having no (surviving) children. 18,30,34,36,37 Although living alone has also often been identified as a risk factor for both isolation and loneliness, 17,30 its relationship to loneliness is not entirely clear. 34 Evidence regarding other socio-demographic factors, such as age and gender, tends to vary.…”

“…[15][16][17] It is often measured in terms of a person' s social networks, for example, number and frequency of contacts. 18 Other network-related indicators such as living arrangements (eg, living alone), availability of a confidant, and community involvement are sometimes included. 1,19 Loneliness, on the other hand, is generally accepted as being a more subjective experience, usually one that is negative or unwelcome.…”

Psychosocial Aspects of Aging

“…In this respect, Gupta and Korte (1994) found that both confidant and peer group variables contributed equally to well-being and health in their study of elderly people. However, Chappell and Badger (1989) cite evidence for the differential impact of subjective versus objective aspects of isolation, noting that emotional isolation (absence of a confidant) is more detrimental than social isolation (limited social network contacts). Moreover, in a study of community dwelling Canadians ages 60 years and older, Chappell and Badger (1989) found that the number of contacts participants had with other people was unrelated to several measures of well-being.…”

“…However, Chappell and Badger (1989) cite evidence for the differential impact of subjective versus objective aspects of isolation, noting that emotional isolation (absence of a confidant) is more detrimental than social isolation (limited social network contacts). Moreover, in a study of community dwelling Canadians ages 60 years and older, Chappell and Badger (1989) found that the number of contacts participants had with other people was unrelated to several measures of well-being. In contrast, they found that not having a confidant was related to ratings of less happiness and lower life satisfaction scores.…”